Defeat at Cheddar relegates Burnham

BURNHAM will make a swift return to Division 3 next season after they were relegated on the final day of the season – going down by five wickets to league champions Cheddar.

Needing to win to ensure their survival, Burnham were unable to defend their total of 182-7, which was reached mainly thanks to an unbeaten 48 from Rob Driver.

Mike Green (3-37) did his best to claw Burnham back into the contest with an impressive new ball spell – but it wasn’t enough for Burnham, who return to Division 3 just one season after being promoted.

Batting first, Burnham lost openers Ed Booth (10) and Jim Bloodworth (17) to the bowling of Stevens (2-40) – and House (4) soon followed for single figures.

But Worthington (37) and Aston (27) set about rebuilding the earlier damage with a 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket – and when Driver (48no) began to take the attack to Cheddar, Burnham were edging their way to a competitive total.

Mike Green (20no) then plundered a few late boundaries to carry his side to 182-7 from their 45 overs.

With the ball, Green made an early inroad as he dismissed Dowden (14) with a good delivery – but Harris (55) and Panes (40) began to take the game away from Burnham.

A short flurry of wickets brought Burnham back into the game, as Green struck twice in quick succession – but it wasn’t to be for the visitors, as Cheddar reached their target in the 37th over with five wickets in hand.